Tag: eco-awareness

EduConnect

St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa NSS unit Commemorates Plantation Drive – “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0”

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The NSS Unit of St. Xavier’s College – Mapusa, organized a plantation drive beginning on on 30th June 2025 until 7th July 2025 commemorating the initiative “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0”, which encouraged NSS volunteers to plant a sapling in honour of their mothers.

The event began with a brief introduction by the NSS Chief Programme Officer, Dr. Rheane Da Silva who highlighted the significance of the campaign and its message of environmental responsibility and gratitude toward motherhood. The plantation drive was formally inaugurated by the dignitaries of the college. The first sapling was planted by the Administrator, Rev. Fr. Tony Salema, followed by Acting Principal, Ms. Ursula Barreto. The Vice Principal, Prof. Filipe Rodrigues e Melo, carried out the third plantation. Guest of Honour, Mr. Vincy Quatros, a renowned Konkani writer planted a sapling, expressing his support for the cause. Dr.Raina of GVM’s Ponda enthusiastically participated in the plantation drive.

The Programme Officers, Dr. Rheane Da Silva, Mr. Sujay Rane and Mr. Rahul Naik along with the college gardeners Mr. Satish and Mr. Dessai alongside 35 NSS volunteers planted the saplings with active enthusiasm. In total, 70 saplings were planted during the drive. The sapling varieties included Badam (Almond), Gulmohar, Mango, Jackfruit, Cashew, Awla, Techoma and other native species suitable for the terrain.

The plantation was carried out in specific areas of the campus, including the periphery of the college sports ground and along the pathways to encourage shade in the future. These locations were selected to ensure the long-term visibility and the long term impact of trees to maintain a cooler temperature on campus.

To ensure proper maintenance, each sapling has been assigned to a dedicated pair of NSS volunteers who will take care of the plants throughout the year. The plantation drive concluded successfully, marking a meaningful contribution to both environmental preservation and the emotional spirit behind the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” initiative.

Human Interest

Chicalim Bio-Crusaders Launch Website Showcasing Goa’s Rich Biodiversity and Cultural Heritage

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CHICALIM, GOA – June 8, 2025
In a landmark moment for grassroots environmental and cultural advocacy in Goa, the Chicalim Bio-Crusaders officially launched their new website at a vibrant function held at Chicalim. The digital platform, developed with the aim of preserving and promoting Goa’s biodiversity, folklore, and village heritage, marks a significant step forward in community-driven conservation and education.

The event was graced by Mr. Daniel D’Souza, President of the Botanical Society of Goa, as Chief Guest, and Mr. Jack Mascarenhas, President of Goyche Fudle Pilghe Khatir (GFPK), as Guest of Honour. They were joined by Mr. Cyril A. Fernandes, President of the Chicalim Bio-Crusaders, and Adv. Fr. Micael A. Fernandes, General Secretary of the group.

🌍 A Digital Archive of Goa’s Natural and Cultural Wealth

Unveiling the website, Mr. Cyril Fernandes highlighted the rich and diverse content it houses. From the biodiversity of Chicalim, Dabolim, and St. Jacinto Island, to village history, heritage landmarks, and hidden natural treasures, the platform offers a virtual gateway into the heart of Goa’s lesser-known wonders.

A standout feature is the digital archive of Konkani riddles collected and featured in the group’s popular contest ‘Parkonnem – Kitem Tem Sang’, now made accessible to the global Goan diaspora at the click of a button.

Also featured are traditional Goan folk dances such as Fuggdi, Dhalo, Zagor, Kunbbi Naach, Dhangar Naach, Divli Naach, Mando, and Morulo, along with visual content on local fauna and flora—including wild animals, birds, butterflies, fishes, and a vibrant collection of wildflowers photographed and documented by Bio-Crusader members over the past three years.

“This is more than a website; it’s a living library of Goa’s soul,” said Fernandes.

🎓 A Learning Tool for Students and a Resource for All

The primary goal of the platform is to offer Goan students a ready reference to support school projects, ecological awareness, and cultural knowledge. The launch was symbolically officiated by students Miss Leanne Viegas of St. Andrew’s School (ICSE) and Master Divesh C. Kalangutkar, who were given the honor of being the first to access the site.

“I feel lucky to be the first student to explore this beautiful website. It’s so colourful and full of interesting things about Goa,” said Leanne.

🌟 Guest Speakers Praise the Initiative

Mr. Daniel D’Souza lauded the Bio-Crusaders’ commitment, stating that this might be the first village group in Goa to create such a comprehensive digital archive. He encouraged other communities to follow this proactive model of environmental and cultural preservation.

Echoing the sentiment, Mr. Jack Mascarenhas of GFPK emphasized that the site provides a unique opportunity for Goans of all ages to reconnect with their roots, observe local species, and cherish traditional knowledge—an effort commendably initiated not by institutions, but by the community itself.

“When local people take charge of preserving their biodiversity, the impact is lasting. This is Goa showing the way forward,” he said.

📈 A Growing Movement Since 2018

Adv. Fr. Micael Fernandes, General Secretary, opened the function with a comprehensive review of the Chicalim Bio-Crusaders’ journey since their formation in 2018. From organizing eco-walks to cultural contests and biodiversity documentation, the group has steadily grown into one of Goa’s most respected grassroots conservation movements.

The evening was elegantly compered by Mrs. Cynthia D’Souza Silveira, and a warm vote of thanks was delivered by Mrs. Vinny Fernandes, who expressed gratitude to all guests, participants, and service providers for supporting the group’s latest milestone.

View the website on https://www.chicalimbiocrusaders.com